HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-06-15 PH1 Vujovich-LaBarreCOUNCIL MEETING: 7I'a� 15
Subject: FW: Home Stay Ordinance Concern 1.6.15 , -FM NO.: 2H
From: Mila Vujovich- LaBarre [mailto:milavu(a)hotmail.com] JA 2015 °
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2015 4:48 PM
To: Mejia, Anthony; Christianson, Carlyn; Carpenter, Dan; Ashbaugh, John; Marx, Jan; Rivoire, Dan
Subject: Home Stay Ordinance Concern 1.6.15
January 6, 2015
Dear Mayor Marx and Members of the San Luis Obispo City Council,
Since I may not be able to make it to tonight's City Council meeting, I am submitting these brief comments about the
Home Stay Ordinance being presented by Staff.
I feel that the ordinance that will further deteriorate our residential neighborhoods. It is my understanding that the
well -being of the neighborhoods was a high priority for this Council.
Although some people are enjoying the additional income generated by the "Home Stay Program," the proposed
ordinance allows for up to 4 adult guests with no restrictions on children. The parking requirement is very minimal
and if 4 guests have 4 cars, that will only cause more parking problems in our already over - crowded neighborhood
streets.
Basically, the proposal allows for a new business operation in a residential neighborhood with strangers coming and
going, possibly every weekend, or for up to 29 consecutive days.
It allows a hostel or boarding house operation in our residential neighborhoods - some of which already have a
transient problem.
Although, this ordinance will make the hosts pay bed tax, like the hotels, and obtain a permit there is no real way to
enforce much or any of the ordinance. Complaints by neighbors will be required so an ordinance would be
established that has "complaint driven enforcement."
According to my college -aged friends, there are students that have picked up on this idea -- renting out their rooms
during their break or any absence Since most landlords are "absentee" they do not know if their tenants do
this. This could create a whole new wrinkle to our student rental problems if the details of this ordinance are not
fully vetted.
There are still neighborhoods in San Luis Obispo that have a family feel. There are still some people who feel safe
enough to not lock their doors or who do not have security alarms on their property because they know their
neighbors.
This one ordinance could change all of that.
As a case in point, my mother lives in a desirable beach community where some of the neighbors have embraced
this short term rental concept. It has turned a few of the homes, especially during the summer months into the "party
houses." Adults - not students - talking and drinking and being in the pool or jacuzzi until all hours. There is one of
these homes directly in back of our family beach home. It has created animosity and tension when some of the
locals have had to confront the partying people. My experience has been that very often, the owners, who have
rented out the property are gone for the time the tenants are there and make it a habit to not answer their mobile
phones when people have called to complain. The only recourse for most residents there is to call the police. Unless
you are my mother. She has a daughter that will write a note, hang it on the door of the house that is partying, ring
the doorbell and run away really fast before the people open the door
at 11 pm. When the tourists answer the door and read a note that states, "We are glad you are having fun but please
be quiet! You are in a residential neighborhood and some of us have to work tomorrow morning. Thank you." It
usually works but is can be exhausting! Trust me.
In short, I do not think that the ordinance is a great idea. I believe that it will change the feeling of our neighborhoods
and negatively impact current residents - both of which I thought you were all, as elected officials, willing to support
and empower.
Thank you.
Mila Vujovich -La Barre
650 Skyline Drive
San Luis Obsipo, California 93405
805.441.5818